( ENSPIRE Feature ) A Night of Recognition, Inspiration, and Toasts to the Future of Black Creative Excellence
The other night, a powerful celebration of Black creativity as The Creative Collective NYC, in partnership with CÎROC, inducted its highly anticipated 2025 Creative Class. The vibrant gathering of industry leaders, influencers, and rising stars, honored 63 exceptional Black creatives across various disciplines.
The atmosphere was electric, with guests like HBCU Buzz’s Luke Lawal and news anchor Abby Phillip joining Imani Ellis, Founder and CEO of The Creative Collective NYC, in a toast to a year of impactful creativity. Expertly crafted CÎROC cocktails, including the signature CÎROC Great Escape, elevated the evening, providing the perfect backdrop for networking and celebration.
Imani Ellis expressed her excitement about the continued partnership with CÎROC, highlighting the significance of the Blue Dot Creative Residency. “I’m excited to partner with CÎROC again to celebrate Black creatives at the Creative Class Awards through The Blue Dot Creative Residency,” Ellis shared. “A part of BDCR is providing grants that help creatives bring their ideas to life, and it was an honor to help award Uzo Njokua a $10K grant* to support their vision. This collaboration is about championing bold self-expression and innovation, and I can’t wait to see how these inspirational creatives continue to shape culture and inspire the next generation.”
Beyond the recognition of the 2025 Creative Class, the highlight of the evening was the emphasis on CÎROC’s Blue Dot Creative Residency. Guests were encouraged to sign up for this transformative program, which allows creatives nationwide to access mentorship, resources, and support to bring their innovative projects to fruition. This initiative underscores CÎROC’s commitment to fostering the growth and development of emerging talent.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of celebrating and supporting Black creativity. The Creative Collective NYC, alongside CÎROC, has created a platform that recognizes excellence and provides tangible resources for creatives to thrive. We are proud to share the impact of the 2025 Creative Class and encourage our readers to explore the opportunities offered by CÎROC’s Blue Dot Creative Residency.
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